Burr was assigned to USARPAC as the deputy commander of operations and was the first foreign general to be assigned to an Army service component command.

As the USARPAC DCG-Operations, he was responsible for the development, synchronization and alignment of more than 106,000 U.S. Army forces within the Asia-Pacific area of operations in support of the U.S. Pacific Command theater campaign plan.

Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commanding general of U.S. Army Pacific, presents Maj. Gen. Richard M. Burr, USARPAC deputy commanding general of operations, with the Legion of Merit during a Flying V ceremony Nov. 17 at historic Palm Circle, Fort Shafter. The Flying V ceremony was to bid farewell to Burr and welcome Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Bilton, who will replace Burr as DCG-O for USARPAC. Both generals are with the Australian Army. (Photo by Sgt. Jorge Higuera, U.S. Army Pacific Public Affairs)

“I have been very well received and warmly embraced, and I feel like I am part of the broader multinational team,” said Burr. “I have really enjoyed representing the United States Army and specifically USARPAC in this role.”

Burr’s next assignment will be as the deputy of the Army for the Australian Defence Force, but Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander, USARPAC, believes that Burr won’t stop at deputy of the Australian army, but will continue his career even higher.

“Australia couldn’t ask for a better leader, for a better soldier, a better warrior, a more caring and thoughtful individual and leader than (Burr), to be in whatever position they have waiting in the future,” said Brooks.

Replacing Burr will be Maj. Gen. Gregory C. Bilton, Australian Defence Force.
Bilton comes to USARPAC after serving as the commander of the 7th Multi-Role Combat Brigade, Forces Command, Australian army.

“We are truly getting one of the outstanding officers of the Australian army,” said Brooks. “I want you to know that you are arriving as a trusted partner from the beginning. Take that trust, get to know the rest of the team … and use your judgment to make a difference.”

“It’s a great honor to be joining the USARPAC team and to be welcomed this way, here, in this spectacular setting,” said Bilton. “This appointment … serves as a visible and tangible demonstration of the U.S. Army’s commitment to partnering in the Pacific.”

• Flying V
The V shape formation honoring the Australian generals was represented by USARPAC’s subordinate and theater-enabling commands. The commander of troops was Maj. Gen. Todd B. McCaffrey, chief of staff, USARPAC.